What is Bipping?

You might not be familiar with the word “Bipping” as it’s slang used in the San Francisco Bay Area. It’s not being used in other regions as well.

In this article, we will explain what bipping is. We will discuss the high-risk areas, how to prevent it, and what to do if you get bipped.

What is Bipping?

Bipping refers to the break-in attempts in vehicles by shattering the glass of windows, windshield, or rear shield. A special object, such as a ceramic spark plug or safety hammer, is used. There is minimal noise that no one gets to know what actually happened. The thieves steal everything they can from the car and leave immediately.

Bipping is quite common in the San Francisco Bay Area, the place where this term was invented. People have been using it for about six years or more, and now it is more common.

Where to Be Most Careful About Getting Bipped?

High-Risk Areas and Tourist Hotspots

There are some high-risk areas in the San Francisco Bay Area, including the Palace of Fine Arts, Alamo Square, and Fisherman’s Wharf. You have to be extra careful at these areas as thieves usually try to break-in the parked cars.

Similarly, tourist-visiting areas are also the hotspots for bipping. Tourists aren’t usually aware of these, and they carelessly park their vehicles. Thieves keep an eye on the cars of tourists and quickly break in. There are many reported incidents from such areas.

Exercise Caution Around SFO or OAK Airports and Surroundings

SFO and OAK airports are also favorite spots for thieves. The reported incidents are alarming. Therefore, if you park a car at these airports or in the surrounding area, just be extra careful. Do not leave your car unattended or in less visited or deserted places.

How to Prevent Car Break-Ins?

Here are a few tips to prevent car break-ins.

Lock It Down

Lock your car properly. Your windows should be closed; do not leave even a slight gap. Check each door to see if it is locked or not. Sometimes, the door is left unlocked because of malfunctioning.

Take Valuables With You

Thieves break in to steal the valuable items inside the car, and they leave quickly. If there are no valuables in your car, they will not waste their time on it. Do not leave anything inside the car, and if there is anything, keep it hidden.

Always Assume the Thieves are Watching You

No matter where you are parking your car, always assume that the thieves are watching you. Take every safety measure you can to prevent bipping. It is better to try your best than to be regretful after bipping.

Choose Proper Parking Lot

Choosing the right parking lot can help you prevent bipping. The parking lot should be well-lit. Select a crowded parking lot where cars come and leave frequently. Secondly, if there are security guards and other people around, thieves won’t try to break-in. They try to find cards parked in dark and less crowded places.

Install Security Camera

Install a security camera, such as WiFi cameras in your car. It will alert you if there is any movement or suspicious activity. It will detect the motion of the thief and send instant notifications. Moreover, it records everything, so it serves as evidence. It can also help the authorities catch the thief.

For this purpose, I recommend the Reolink Argus PT Ultra. Its 4K Ultra HD resolution ensures detailed footage, while the pan and tilt feature covers various angles in and around your car. The camera’s smart detection system sends instant notifications, and its long-lasting 20000mAh battery provides extended monitoring, even without a continuous power source.

Install Car Alarm System

Car alarms are quite effective in preventing bipping. The alarm starts ringing if someone hits the car. Thieves usually avoid cars installed with an alarm. If they try to break in, the alarm will alert everyone around, and they won’t be able to steal anything.

What to Do If You Get Bipped?

If you get bipped, you should consider the following actions immediately.

• When you discover you have been bipped, make sure to take photos. Do not touch anything, and take photos of the damage and items. It will be helpful for the police report and insurance.
• Assess the damage. Check your valuable items inside the car. List down every stolen item.
• Contact the nearest police station and file a report. Give them complete information.
• Notify your insurance company about the bipping and share the proof with them. Photos and police reports will be helpful.
• If there are credit cards, SIM cards, and other important stuff, make sure to get them blocked as soon as possible.
• Get your car repaired. This time, try to figure out ways to prevent future bipping attempts. You can install new locks, a security camera, an alarm system, etc.

FAQs

1. What is bipping slang for?

Bipping is a slang used for car break-ins. It is used in the San Francisco Bay Area. When thieves try to enter by breaking a glass to steal the valuable items inside, this slang is used.

2. Where does the term "bipping" come from?

The term bipping came from the San Francisco Bay Area. The thieves were using the ceramic spark plugs to break the glass of cars with little noise. That’s how the term was invented.

3. How Is Law Enforcement Addressing Car bipping?

Authorities have taken car bipping seriously. They have started a crackdown against car break-ins. San Francisco police are also using bait cars to catch thieves.

Conclusion

Bipping is a slang used for car break-ins. It is now a common term in the San Francisco Bay Area. We have shared how you can prevent bipping. Try to take every safety measure you can to prevent it. And if you get bipped, follow the instructions we have shared.